The RAV4 and VW Tiguan are both very successful compact crossover SUVs. The RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in the world, while the Tiguan is the best-selling Volkswagen model in the United States. However, the 2023 Toyota has one huge advantage over the 2023 VW Tiguan: hybrid models, including the Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
2023 Toyota RAV4 has hybrid models, but 2023 VW Tiguan doesn’t offer 1 in the U.S.
Toyota has a strong lineup of hybrid vehicles. While the Prius is the most famous, many of the automaker’s gas-powered models have also received the hybrid treatment. This includes the 2023 RAV4 crossover SUV, which has two variants: a traditional hybrid and the Prime plug-in hybrid, which delivers pure electric power for short distances.
mileage, resulting in savings at the pump. The standard hybrid has fuel economy estimated at up to 40 mpg combined, while the RAV4 Prime PHEV gets up to 94 MPGe combined in electric-only mode and 38 mpg combined in hybrid mode.
Additionally, the RAV4 Prime has an electric-only rating of up to 42 miles. It’s a good alternative for people who aren’t ready to go electric, due to fears of range anxiety, or running out of electric vehicle battery power. When the electrical energy in the RAV4 Prime runs out, it switches to power from the internal combustion engine.
The 2023 Tiguan is much less efficient than the RAV4 hybrid models. Gets estimated gas mileage up to 26 mpg combined. Plus, even if you buy the fully gas-powered RAV4, you’ll still benefit from increased fuel economy (up to 30mpg combined).
More ways the Toyota RAV4 is better than the VW Tiguan
There are other ways the 2023 is better than the 2023 Tiguan. This includes performance. All RAV4 models are more powerful than anything offered by the Tiguan. The fully gas-powered model with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 203 horsepower, while the standard hybrid delivers 219 horsepower. And the most powerful is the RAV4 Prime, which produces 308 horsepower and provides power similar to a sports car. By comparison, the Tiguan’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates just 184 horsepower.
Additionally, the RAV4 is capable of towing a heavier load, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Tiguan maxes out at £1,500. Also, while both crossover SUVs offer an all-wheel drive system for extra traction, the RAV4 is better for off-road use. This is due to the higher ground clearance (up 8.6 versus 7.6 inches) and the availability of off-road models (Woodland Edition, Adventure and TRD Off-Road).
Also, the RAV4 is safer than the . Unlike the Tiguan, the RAV4 earned a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick after earning good marks in rigorous crash tests and safety evaluations.
With its hybrid models, including the Prime PHEV, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a huge lead over the 2023 VW Tiguan. When deciding which compact crossover to buy, the availability of a hybrid is a key factor to consider.
